Human Fortress – Stronghold

Human Fortress
Stronghold
Label: Massacre Records
Out: 17 October 2025
Playing time: 42:08

Six years have passed since Hanover-based band Human Fortress released their last regular studio album, ‘Reign Of Gold’. Their 2021 release, ‘Epic Tales & Untold Stories’, was more of an EP with a lot of bonus material. But even that was four years ago. So it was about time for something new. ‘Stronghold’ is the seventh album by the Power Metal band, which was founded in 1999. I don’t agree with the official press release here, because as I mentioned, ‘Epic Tales & Untold Stories’ wasn’t a complete album.

The album kicks off with the title track ‘Stronghold’, a magnificent Metal anthem. This immediately sets the tone for what the listener can expect over the next forty-two minutes. The powerful and anthemic ‘The End Of The World’ follows. Gus Monsanto’s slightly raspy and pleasant vocals are accompanied by guitar riffs that never push themselves into the foreground. Instead, beautiful guitar melodies can be heard again and again. These also form the basis for the melodic solo that can be heard later on. Even if the title ‘Pain’ suggests otherwise. Human Fortress remain true to themselves and follow up with the next anthem. ‘Mesh Of Lies’ then sounds a little heavier from the speakers. A real Power Metal banger with fast riffs. The vocals are hardly raspy anymore. Gus Monsanto shows his vocal versatility. Once again, the guitar duo Todd Wolf / Volker Trost provides the melodic, sometimes sophisticated frame. The anthemic ‘The Abyss Of Our Souls’ starts with calm keyboard sounds before the riffs dominate here too. The introduction to ‘Under The Gun’ consists of a short bass line. Then the riff- and drum-driven song moves back into mid-tempo range. ‘Silent Scream’ also offers epic Power Metal. As on their previous album, Human Fortress deliver a beautiful power ballad with ‘Death Calls My Name’. The singer is initially accompanied by gentle keyboard sounds. After some harder sounds, it becomes calmer again. This interplay can be enjoyed throughout the entire song. The magnificent guitar solo is the crowning glory of the song. ‘Road To Nowhere’ also starts off quietly. Then comes the next epic Power Metal anthem. And because it was so beautiful, there is also an anthem to finish off with, ‘The Darkest Hour’. This time, however, it is played a little faster.

On ‘Stronghold’, Human Fortress prove once again that they are masters of beautiful, epic melodies. With this album, they easily maintain the high standard set by its predecessor. In addition to the guitarists, the singer is particularly impressive. The bass and drums provide the perfect rhythmic base.

Human Fortress – The Abyss Of Our Souls: https://youtu.be/sl0XLVbDp1k?si=T4wg_sDSXUdjushC

Lineup:

Gus Monsanto – Vocals
Todd Wolf – Guitars
Volker Trost – Guitars
Axel Herbst – Keys
André Hort – Bass
Apostolos Zaios – Drums

Track list:

• Stronghold
• The End Of The World
• Pain
• Mesh Of Lies
• The Abyss Of Our Souls
• Under The Gun
• Silent Scream
• Death Calls My Name
• Road To Nowhere
• The Darkest Hour